The California and Delaware programs will test out increased law enforcement and public education campaigns for distracted driving

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has unveiled his “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving” plan, and also provided California and Delaware with $2.4 million for distracted driving enforcement.

The new “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving” calls for four crucial steps toward the elimination of distracted driving. The four steps are as follows: Encouraging the 11 states without distracted driving laws to enforce such legislation; push the auto industry to adopt guidelines for technology used in vehicles; offer educational lessons to new drivers about distracted driving; and provide all stakeholders with options for ending distracted driving for good.

“Distracted driving is an epidemic,” said LaHood. “While we’ve made progress in the past three years by raising awareness about this risky behavior, the simple fact is people are continuing to be killed and injured – and we can put an end to it. Personal responsibility for putting down that cell phone is a good first step – but we need everyone to do their part, whether it’s helping pass strong laws, educating our youngest and most vulnerable drivers, or starting their own campaign to end distracted driving.”

Last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation expressed concerns over automakers' decisions to continue adding in-vehicle technology that could aid distracted driving. It said automakers were doing this just to sell vehicles more easily, offering fun new gadgets and technology to entice drivers.

In addition to the new blueprint, the Department of Transportation is also awarding California and Delaware with $2.4 million for distracted driving enforcement and campaigns.

“We know from the success of national efforts like ‘Click it or Ticket’ that combining good laws with effective enforcement and a strong public education campaign can – and does – change unsafe driving behavior,” said David Strickland, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator. “Now, along with two great state partners, we’re using this proven formula to help tackle distracted driving.”

The pilot programs will take place in eight counties in the Sacramento valley region, which has 3.8 million residents, and statewide throughout Delaware. The pilot programs are to begin in fall 2012.

How dumb is this guy? More of OUR money going towards an easy and obvious problem that CAN be solved with clearly stating expectations and following through with law ENFORCEMENT.

The only thing that needs to happen is pass a law that drivers can be pulled over specifically for texting and no other need such as speeding. Make hands-free ONLY the law. Ticket anyone not using hands-free setup. They will get the idea eventually.

The roads are PUBLIC and all who travel on public roads should have a right to feel safe from irresponsible drivers.

"We can't expect users to use common sense. That would eliminate the need for all sorts of legislation, committees, oversight and lawyers." -- Christopher Jennings